Covid-19 begins and spreads like most other viruses. One person sneezes or coughs into the air and another inhales the droplets or it lands on their hands or face. Hence, the recommendation is to stay at least 6 feet away from one another, social distancing. However, that container of milk, that banana in the store—well, we just don’t know. Therefore, consistant hand washing is recommended, as well as to keep your hands off your face to limit the risk of transporting the virus though your nose, eyes, or mouth.

We are all susceptible. The virus is in every community. But many have risk factors that can make Covid-19 even more dangerous. These can include a compromised immune system (such as with those with cancer), diabetes, a history of upper respiratory issues, or high blood pressure (and the damage to the heart and blood vessels it can cause.)

How the Virus Works

Based on how similar viruses works, it seems likely that once the virus’s particles enter the body, they attach to receptors on the surface of cells. Typically, this starts in the mucus membranes of the nose and throat. Spikey proteins on the surface of the virus latch onto cell membranes. Essentially, the virus hijacks cells and starts replicating, making more copies and spreading throughout the body. Once the virus has attached enough cells, many people will develop symptoms.

Most often, a person first presents with upper respiratory symptoms. Within a few days a person might develop a dry cough, fever, sore throat, aches, and fatigue. In some cases, there is also a loss of taste and smell, and yet many will have no symptoms at all.

When the immune system recognizes the virus, it sends out cytokines to the site of infection. Cytokines are inflammatory molecules that can spin out of control with Covid-19. This inflammatory storm can cause a fever and sometimes lead to death.

Sometimes the inhaled droplets go right to the lungs. When the virus moves to the lungs, the immune system kicks in again at high gear, flooding the site with white blood cells. These secrete even more cytokines which increases the inflammation and can actually damage the lungs and make it difficult to breathe.

What distinguishes Covid-19 from other similar viruses is the frequency of pneumonia and in some cases, the abrupt onset of heart problems (sometimes leading to heart-failure). Pneumonia can lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) may set in, at which point a person may need a respirator.

According to Dr. David Price, Weill Cornell Medical Center, NYC, it takes 15-30 minutes of unprotected exposure to an infected person for the virus to take hold. He commented that while Covid-19 is no doubt in every community, you can protect yourself and your family by taking realistic precautions (hand washing, social distancing, not touching your face, wearing gloves). He also said that if you do develop Covid-19, in most cases, you can self-treat at home just as you would with other viruses. You need only go to the hospital if you have shortness of breath [or heart problems]. He also commented that only 10% of people will need to go to the hospital and that only 1% would need a ventilator. [i]

What You Can Do NOW: Food is Medicine

Importantly, there are various treatment options being studied and implemented, some of which show great promise. However, in my humble opinion, it is better to prevent than to need to treat. You can significantly reduce your risk by social distancing, staying home, diligently washing your hands, and keeping your hands away from your face.

Eat a nutrient-dense diet that includes adequate protein, sprouts, and antimicrobial foods such as garlic, onions, and ginger, herbs, and spices such as oregano, rosemary, and turmeric.

Importantly, while there is currently no research on the safety of eating raw produce purchased from your local market, the recommendation for those at higher risk to wash or cook all produce before consuming. However, for those of us who love and appreciate sprouts (which really cannot be washed well), I suggest you grow your own sprouts). Fortunately, now it is easier than ever (no changing the water several times a day, just add water to the tray day one and done). Order your own sprout kit. Tender herbs can also be easily grown, indoors or out.

Fresh Herb Pot

Vitamin C supports healthy immune function and a healthy heart. At high doses, vitamin C switches from being an antioxidant to a pro-oxidant, supporting healthy heart and blood vessels. It is believed that 14-20 grams daily of vitamin C (liposomal and oral combined) may be an effective preventive dose. (Liposomal allows you to take high doses without bowel issues).

A good multivitamin, adequate vitamin D, zinc, selenium, probiotics, mushroom extracts, beta glucans, selenium, and astragalus will also help keep the immune system strong, helping to slow down the speed at which pathogens replicate and mutate. Zinc and chaga mushroom inhibit the ability of viruses to reproduce and spread. Magnesium, fish or krill oil, vitamin E, and curcumin (turmeric) are natural anti-inflammatories. Antiviral colloidal silver, olive leaf extract, monolaurin, and lysine are also quite helpful.

Another less common supplement that you need to know about is Pao pereira. Often used to target cancer cells (including cancer stem cells), Pao pereira has strong immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties, which is important to protect the lungs.

According to the Beljanski Foundation, Pao pereira may help reduce viral load of Covid-19 and block the enzyme that replicates in the genome of the virus. Their research shows that Pao pereira helps support the body’s own immune and detoxification systems to eliminate or neutralize undesirable cells. The recommended dose is 2 capsules, twice daily. Buy Pao Pereira

Another supplement, RealBuild contains short RNA fragments (primers) that support the body’s immune system against the virus. The recommendation is one dose per week. Together, Pao Pereira and RealBuild offer strong defense against the ravages of RNA viruses such as Covid-19. Buy RealBuild.

As researchers learn more and more about how Covid-19 attacks the body, we can use that information. Information is healthy, fear is not. Don’t let fear get the best of you. Eat well, take your supplements, engage in stress-lowering activities and practice other common-sense practices.

Elyn Jacobs is a breast cancer survivor and holistic cancer strategist who helps people make better, healthier, non-toxic choices. She emphasizes the critical nature of addressing the root cause of cancer and not just its presenting symptoms (such as the tumor). Elyn specializes in understanding the role of estrogen in breast cancer and debunks the myths associated. She is a Contributing Editor for The Truth About Cancer and was creator and host of the Survive and Live Well Radio Show on the Cancer Support Network. Elyn is on the Medical Advisory Board for BeatCancer.Org and is on the Advisory Board to the Radical Remission Project. Elyn was the former Executive Director of the Emerald Heart Cancer Foundation. Contact Elyn via her website. Elyn offers consults via Skype, phone or in person.

DISCLAIMER:
Elyn Jacobs does not provide medical advice. The information provided is for general information only. No online site should be used as a substitute for personal medical attention.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a recommendation to forgo medical advice and treatment. This post is not intended to treat, cure, prevent, or diagnose any disease or condition. This post does not represent medical advice nor should it be considered to be medical advice or a replacement for medical advice. I encourage you to discuss this information with your integrative oncologist, naturopathic doctor, or conventional oncologist. The information provided is from my research and not to be taken as scientific evidence.

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